From *The Chicago Tribune*:
A historic Chamber of Commerce building in west suburban Lyons, once a prominent landmark, was severely damaged by a fire that broke out overnight. Officials confirmed the structure, located at 3901 Joliet Ave., was completely destroyed.
The fire started around 2:30 a.m. and took firefighters nearly four hours to bring under control. When crews arrived, flames were visible from the first-floor windows, and the fire quickly became overwhelming. Fire Chief Gordon Nord described the situation as difficult, stating they had to pull everyone out and switch to a defensive strategy.
The two-story building, constructed in the early 1900s, was known for its ornate architecture, including castle-like towers and intricate doorways. Despite being vacant for years, it remained a cherished part of the town’s history. Gas service had been disconnected for some time, though the building still had power.
Chief Nord also mentioned that one of the turrets collapsed during the fire. The cause is still under investigation, but the damage was so extensive that the building will need to be demolished. No injuries were reported.
From *CBS Chicago*:
No one was hurt in the overnight fire that destroyed a long-standing landmark in Lyons. The abandoned Chamber of Commerce building at 3901 Joliet Ave. caught fire just after 2:30 a.m. The structure, a two-story ivory-colored building with unique architectural features, had stood empty for years but was still considered a local treasure.
Firefighters faced significant challenges due to heavy fire in the first-floor ceiling, which created dangerous voids. Chief Nord said the fire overpowered their initial efforts, forcing them to retreat and adopt a defensive approach. One of the turrets on the building's corners collapsed during the blaze.
Although no one was injured, the building suffered severe structural damage and will likely be torn down. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Photos from the scene, captured by Brad Bartley, show the extent of the destruction. These images highlight the loss of a piece of local history.
Thanks to Dan for sharing this update.
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